Corps says La. must help cover increasing cost of levee work

The Army Corps of Engineers says it wants Louisiana to pay 35% of the $1 billion in projected increased cost of levee repair projects, a proposal that drew flak from state officials. President Barack Obama's budget request did not ask for additional funds to cover the increasing cost of the project. The Corps proposal "is nothing short of the administration and the Corps breaking its core, solemn commitment to get the job done and stay as long as it takes following Katrina to build the protection that was outlined at that time, which certainly included completing New Orleans to Venice," said Sen. David Vitter, R-La.